A Study on the Factors Influencing the Quality of Life among Hospital Patients with Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify the factors influencing the quality of life among hospital patients with tuberculosis. A questionnaire survey was administered to research subjects at a hospital in the Kyungnam province area. The correlation between patients\' quality of life and such factors as socio-demographic, symptom experience, depression, family support, and medical expert support factors were analyzed. The preceding factor of QOL among TB patients were depression, the presence of a medical health carer, the presence of a living spouse (wife or husband), and family support in a descending order of significance. Based on the results of this research, we are able to make a number of practical recommendations for social work intervention to help TB patients live more satisfactory lives.Key words : quality of life, tuberculosis, social support